Apple CEO Tim Cook said he remains bullish on the Chinese market and supply chain, and appreciated China's government incentives to boost consumption, which has led to a notable growth in smartphone sales of the U.S. tech giant in recent months.
Cook made the remarks at a meeting with China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao in Beijing on Friday. Before the meeting, Wang extended a warm welcome to Cook.
"I remember that every meeting between us was very practical. We had discussions on some issues, and we were very candid," said Wang.
Cook began his speech by highlighting just how critical China remains -- as a market, and as the backbone of Apple's global supply chain.
"China continues to be the vast majority of our supply chain in the world with 80 of our top 100 suppliers in China. And our total investment over the last five years in the supply chain has been 400 billion, and that number is very stable on an annual basis," said Cook.
Apple has reportedly seen an over 20 percent surge in smartphone sales in China from January to early March this year. Cook said during the meeting that China's push to boost domestic consumption plays a major role in the growth.
"We've had a good business over the last several months in China. We are very appreciative of the government incentives that are stimulating consumption in the country. We feel like these are very effective and have been very pleased with the results," he said.
Amid global uncertainties and shifting supply chains, Apple is aligning its investments with China's focus on innovation and sustainable development. The company is betting that this market will remain key to its future.
Apple CEO bullish on Chinese market, appreciates China's business incentives
Two movie stars expressed their strong confidence in the increasing role of films in boosted tourism across China through the "China Travel with Chinese Films" campaign, ahead of the first CMG Chinese Film Festival.
The festival, opened in Beijing on Friday evening, is expected to highlight, for the first time, the development and achievements of China's film industry from a media perspective.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), actress Zhang Ziyi, the event's image ambassador, and actor Liu Ye shared their views on the development of China's film industry.
"China's film industry was too exciting last year. The application of new technologies has not only encouraged filmmakers but also excited audiences. I read many suggestions from our netizens. Now that we have AI technology, they have told us many ways to make a film. It seemed that audiences were also taking part in the film just like us filmmakers," said Liu.
The "China Travel with Chinese Film" campaign, launched in February last year, has effectively driven tourism development across the country, as evidenced by one of Zhang's films.
"The significance of films is no longer merely to watch a touching story in a cinema. Now, audiences are traveling and tasting the delicacies of various places alongside the film. For instance, when we were shooting and promoting 'She's Got No Name' last year, there was a street where many tourists, including foreign travelers, came. So, Chinese films have brought prosperity to all walks of life," said Zhang.
Liu said it amazed him that a film could make a place known as a new tourist attraction, and it encouraged filmmakers to explore the industry's infinite possibilities.
"Many films boosted local cultural tourism. I never expected the power of film would be so great. When a film is loved by audiences, its shooting location becomes a more famous tourist attraction, attracting many people for local snacks and natural scenery. I think it is the happiest time for us filmmakers. We enjoy a larger space for creation, and audiences have greater enthusiasm for participation. Our future can be said to be full of boundless imagination," said Liu.
The CMG Chinese Film Festival, themed "Power of Spring," will present 21 awards.
Movie stars optimistic about films' role in boosting tourism
